Pakistan expects US to continue CSF after withdrawal from Afghanistan to help Pakistan fight terrorism: Tariq Fatemi

WASHINGTON- Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi has said Pakistan would like the United States to continue its funding in support of fight against terrorism in the shape of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) after withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.

Talking to journalists today, Tariq Fatemi, who is now in the US capital for important talks, said if the objective of fighting against terrorism is not achieved in the next two years and Pakistan continues to fight the menace, Islamabad would expect Washington to continue meeting the expenditure as in the past.

Earlier speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Monday on “Pakistan’s vision for regional peace, prosperity, and economic development” Tariq Fatemi underscored Pakistan’s commitment to building a peaceful neighborhood for regional peace, security and prosperity.

The special assistant highlighted the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and extremism in all its forms through a comprehensive and consensus based approach. He further said that the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan will continue till the area is cleared of all terrorists without any distinction or discrimination.

On Pakistan-US relations, the special assistant noted that Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Washington last year in October was a high point and the meeting with President Obama helped set the tone, agenda and direction for the relationship, which happily now is on an upward and stable trajectory.

While emphasizing the importance of enhanced market access, and greater investment flows, the Special Assistant also thanked the US government for its valuable assistance to Pakistan for its various development projects especially those in the energy sector.

During the interactive session, the special assistant responded to various questions related to Pakistan’s internal developments and external relations. He said that Pakistan is ready to discuss all outstanding issues with India. He expressed the hope that the two sides could pick up the threads from where the process was left with the last Congress government.

The event was attended by a cross-section of Washington based policy community, scholars, researchers, members of the think-tanks and media representatives.